CPFC Academy - International Break

Whilst World Cup Qualifiers and international friendlies were taking place all over the footballing globe, our starlets in the academy also got a taste of international action in August and September.

In Moscow, Russia, the Valerie Ivanov Tournament featured Scotland's under 16s in August in which centre forward Kyle Spence played a pivotal role in helping his country gain a respectable third place.

During the competition, Spence bagged a goal against Turkey in the group stages and featured in the third-place play-off match against Bulgaria. His performances have not gone unnoticed and he has been called up to the Scotland squad again to face Poland at Fir Park, Motherwell on the 25th September. More creditable appearances from Kyle could see him make the team for the Victory Shield which will take place in October.

Elsewhere, Ross Fitzsimons earned his first call-up for the Republic of Ireland under 19s. Although he wasn't in the match day squad that drew with Latvia earlier in the month, it shows that Ross's skills have gone from strength to strength in the development side at Palace to be recognised by his country.

Three teenagers from the academy were put through the paces at the England under 16s training camp at Warwick University in August. Joel Lumeya, Jahmal Mundle and Mandela Egbo were part of the prestigious squad with Palace the only Championship club to receive three call-ups.

Palace academy graduates were also involved in international action. Wilfried Zaha represented England in the under 21s European Championship Qualifier against Norway, in which England triumphed 1-0, a result that sees the Three Lions qualify for the Euro 2013 play-offs. Zaha also started the 2-0 win against Azerbaijan.

Jonny Williams was named as a substitute for Wales' two international matches as they slumped to a 6-1 defeat in their 2014 World Cup Qualifier in Serbia and lost 2-0 to Belgium in Cardiff as the wait for a first international cap continues.